Gracias Santi! Injury-hit Cazorla leaves Arsenal after six years

ARSENAL midfielder Santi Cazorla – the injured playmaker who has been sorely missed by the Gunners – is to leave the club after six years in north London.

The 33-year-old’s contract expired at the end of the season and despite working himself back to fitness has been told that he would not be getting a new deal.

Cazorla is best remembered for his FA Cup final goal in 2014, a dazzling free-kick which brought Arsenal back to life after falling two down to Hull City. The club went onto to claim the trophy.

He had arrived from Malaga in 2012 and went on to play 180 times for Arsenal. His later years at the club were ravaged by an Achilles injury.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Santi is always one of my favourite players to watch. His natural ability with both feet, his speed of thought and movement were central to our best performances in recent years.”

He added: “He plays with a joy and freedom which is very rare. We wish him well for the future and thank him for his important contribution to our club.”